According to reports from The Express on Monday, Real Madrid attacking midfielder Isco has made a request to leave the Bernabeu – putting long-term admirers Arsenal and Chelsea on alert.
The 23 year-old has registered 118 appearances across all competitions for Los Blancos since signing from Malaga in summer 2013, netting 17 times and helping them claim the 2014 Champions League title in the process.
He’s not been an automatic starter in the past but has enjoyed a strong run so far this term, making twelve outings since Rafa Benitez took the managerial reigns during the summer.
Regardless, The Express – who cite Spanish publication Fichajes – claim the Spain international is still unhappy in the Spanish capital, wanting ‘a change of scenery’, and has now made a request to leave.
It is unknown whether the request has been accepted by the Real hierarchy but the news will unquestionably be of interest to Arsenal and Chelsea, who have been linked with the playmaking midfielder for some time.
Some speculate Isco is the mystery player Jose Mourinho was scouting during the international break, with the Portuguese spotted in the stands as Spain beat Ukraine 1-0, whilst reports of an Arsenal bid in January have circulated over the last few months.